We’re excited to introduce our new Trades business directory listings on the Matakana Coast App! Check them out by clicking on the links below and support local!🔨 Bigwood Builders Ltd is your trusted partner for residential and light commercial projects across the Matakana Coast, from Puhoi to Mangawhai. Unlike most builders, they go beyond the basics, offering "all the extras" like decks, fencing, retaining walls, pool construction, and landscape design. With expertise in project management, they handle everything from planning and consents to the final build, ensuring your project is completed on time and within budget.Whether in Omaha, Warkworth, or even the Hauraki Gulf islands, Bigwood Builders delivers exceptional craftsmanship with finishing touches that bring your vision to life.⚡ MP Lighting & Electrics provides comprehensive electrical services, from design to installation and ongoing maintenance. With a commitment to quality under the motto "Do it once, do it right", the company ensures reliable and professional solutions tailored to diverse needs.The founder's passion for LED lighting drives the business, promoting energy-efficient solutions that reduce electricity bills and minimise environmental impact. Services include alarm systems, residential and commercial electrical work, Wiser home automation, CCTV installations, and more.🌡 All Temp Solutions is a company specialising in energy-efficient heating and cooling systems for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Founded by Ian Delaney, who brings over 18 years of experience the company is committed to delivering tailored solutions that ensure optimal indoor comfort. Services include heat pumps and air conditioning, hot water heat pumps, multi-room heat pump systems, heat recovery ventilation, electrical services, and solar energy solutions.🚤 Mahurangi Marine has been delivering expert marine services for decades. As authorised Honda and Yanmar dealers, the team services all brands of boat motors with precision and reliability. Their comprehensive range of services and products includes:Boat motor servicingBoat sales and outboard enginesDive bottle filling and testingElectronics, winches, chandlery, fish finders, and moreWith a reputation for quality and expertise, Mahurangi Marine is your trusted partner for all boating needs.💩 MacJimray Septic Tank Services Septic Cleaning Services has been the trusted name in septic tank cleaning for over 40 years. This family-owned and operated business delivers fast, reliable, and professional service for both residential and commercial systems, all at competitive rates. Servicing Puhoi to Paparoa. As council-approved inspectors, MacJimray can assess your septic tank system to ensure compliance and prevent costly issues. Their unique approach sets them apart: at their treatment plant, liquid waste is processed using worms, sun, and time to create nutrient-rich compost. This eco-friendly method ensures waste is responsibly recycled rather than sent to landfills. 📱 If you want your business to be on the App get in contact [email protected] 

Hon Karen Chhour“As we head into one of the busiest times of the year for Police, and family violence and sexual violence response services, it’s a good time to remind everyone what to do if they experience violence or are worried about others,” Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour says.“Christmas can be a stressful time for families, and while family members are spending more time together, they may experience violence or notice the signs of violence in people close to them. “I urge people to speak up and get help because family violence and sexual violence are crimes that can seriously impact people’s health and wellbeing.“The summer season should be a fun, safe, time for everybody – including our children. I encourage families to ensure there is a responsible adult keeping an eye on the children, while parents are relaxing and enjoying the festivities. “Over the holiday period, take care of those around you, manage yourself well and keep an eye on your mates. Being drunk or high is no excuse for hurting or assaulting others. “I urge everyone to act on family violence and sexual violence. All of us have a part to play in addressing family violence and sexual violence in our homes and communities.“The summer season is a critical time for everyone to ensure the safety of people around them.”Get Support Over Summer:If someone hurts you, you can report it to Police and reach out to the family violence or sexual violence helpline. Online, text, and phone help is available over the holiday period 24/7 for people impacted by violence or those worried about others. Call for family violence support anytime on 0800 456 450 and for sexual violence support on 0800 044 334 (or text 4334). If you have internet access you can get advice, support via webchat and a service finder at www.areyouok.org.nz or www.safetotalk.nz.Help is also available to people who are worried that their behaviour is hurting or scaring others. Call 0800 456 450 or visit www.changeispossible.org.nz to get advice, support and find what help is available for you. 

Auckland Motorway - traffic congested from Albany to SilverdaleSH1 P2W New motorway is backed up at least 5km heading North before the tunnel.Warkworth to Matakana - reports of travel taking 1.5 hours!! Avoid if possible. Sandspit Road also has delays of 45 mins.Warkworth to Wellsford - congested through the Dome and again before Wellsford township.Also expect delays from tomorrow heading North to Mangawhai as Northern Bass concert begins tomorrow.

Boaties heading out on the water this summer are being urged to take extra care to prevent the spread of exotic caulerpa—a highly invasive marine pest that threatens to wreak havoc on our marine ecosystems and recreational waters.Auckland Council, in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), iwi, and neighbouring regions, is ramping up efforts to contain the spread of this marine pest across the Hauraki Gulf, Bay of Islands, Coromandel, and beyond.Mayor Wayne Brown says he’ll be out on the water again this summer and remaining vigilant around caulerpa.“Last season, before I went to Great Barrier, I arranged a mooring to ensure my anchoring actions did not spread this pest,” he says.“It is good to see reminders going out to boaties – now it’s up to us to make sure we help prevent the spread of this nasty weed and protect our treasured marine environments for everyone.”Chair of Auckland Council’s Policy and Planning Committee, Councillor Richard Hills, emphasises the importance of boaties playing their part in stopping the spread."We all love enjoying the stunning waters of the Hauraki Gulf and our neighbouring coastal areas, but we must remember that exotic caulerpa poses a serious threat to these ecosystems,” says Councillor Hills.“We must do all we can to reduce the spread. Anchoring in infested areas can easily disturb this pest, allowing it to spread further.""This is not just about following rules; it's about protecting the places we love to visit, fish, and play. If we don't act responsibly, we risk losing access to some of our most treasured marine environments.Auckland Council’s Team Manager Pathways, Liz Brooks, says containment is currently our best strategy. “This is a collective effort. We need people to remember that every action can make a difference, and we need everyone’s help to stop caulerpa from spreading."Why is exotic caulerpa a problem?Exotic caulerpa (Caulerpa brachypus and Caulerpa parvifolia) is a fast-spreading marine algae that blankets the seafloor, outcompeting native seaweeds and seagrass. This disrupts vital marine habitats for fish, shellfish, and other marine life, leading to a decline in biodiversity and threatening the recreational fishing and diving opportunities New Zealanders cherish.Where is it found?Currently, exotic caulerpa is found in several key areas:Hauraki Gulf: Kawau Island, Waiheke Island (Onetangi Bay/Thompson Point), Rakino Island, Aotea/Great Barrier Island, and Mokohinau Islands.Other areas (outside Auckland): Bay of Islands, Coromandel (Fantail Bay and Great Mercury Island/Ahuahu).Check the Community Viewer for the latest information on infested areas or use this PDF link [731 KB] to see where exotic Caulerpa has been found in the Auckland region and details on the rules and restrictions in place.Controlled Area Notices (CANs) are already in place at Aotea/Great Barrier Island, Ahuahu Great Mercury and the Bay of Islands, and a CAN comes into effect around Waiheke Island at midnight allowing boats to anchor but boaties must check and clean anchors and chains after doing so. No fishing that disturbs the sea floor is permitted.What can you do?Boaties, fishers, and beachgoers can all help slow the spread of exotic caulerpa.Avoid anchoring or disturbing the sea floor in infested areas: anchors and chains can fragment caulerpa, causing it to spread to new locations.Check and clean gear: clean anchors, fishing gear, dive equipment, and any other gear when moving between regions.If you find it, bag it and bin it. If you can’t do this, return it to where it came from; do not move it to a new location.Report sightings:If you see any unusual seaweed, take a photo, record the location, and report it to MPI on 0800 80 99 66.Respect Controlled Area Notices:CANs are in place to protect vulnerable marine environments. Make sure you know where you can safely anchor and fish before heading out.What’s at stake?Failure to contain exotic caulerpa could have devastating consequences:loss of recreational areas: infested areas may be off-limits for anchoring, fishing, and divingmarine biodiversity: the loss of native marine habitats affects fish populations and overall marine healthinterregional spread: the pest could spread further south to regions like the Bay of Plenty and East Cape, significantly expanding the containment challenge."Removing large-scale caulerpa infestations is currently not feasible. Although we are leaning on research and development for solutions, prevention is the only viable solution right now,” explains Councillor Hills.“This summer, we’re working hard with MPI, iwi, and communities to develop new tools, trial new techniques, and provide alternative mooring options. But we need everyone’s cooperation to protect our waters."Summer ambassadors on handThroughout the summer, ambassadors will be stationed at boat ramps and marinas to provide information and answer questions. Boaties are encouraged to engage with them and learn how to play their part in protecting New Zealand’s marine environment.For more information, visit the MPI website.

Power company Mercury will start building Northland's first wind farm next month, using the largest turbines ever seen in New Zealand.Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm - on the west coast north of Dargaville - will have 12 turbines, with a tower height of 125 metres and a rotor diameter of 162m.That makes a height of 206m to the top of the rotor blade - equivalent to two rugby fields, and taller than any office or apartment building in New Zealand.Only Auckland's Skytower, at 328m, will be taller.Executive general manager generation development Matt Tolcher said the $287 million project was due to be completed in mid-2026 and would produce up to 77 megawatts (MW) when the wind was blowing.It was expected to annually produce 220 gigawatt-hours (GWh), enough to power 27,000 homes - or almost every occupied house in the Whangārei District.Tolcher said it made sense to build generation close to "load centres" such as Auckland."That makes this a great location. It's also coastal, which is a benefit in terms of unfettered west coast winds. And the third advantage is that the country benefits when there is geographic diversity in terms of wind farms. For instance, the wind in Dargaville is not highly correlated with wind in the Manawatū, and it's essentially uncorrelated with wind in Southland - so when the wind's not blowing in Southland, it's likely to be blowing in Dargaville."That geographic diversity gives us a nice spread of assets and ensures all our eggs aren't in one basket," he said.Tolcher said Kaiwaikawe would be a relatively small wind farm with a small number of turbines - but their sheer size meant the power output was significant.It was the first time turbines of this size would be used in New Zealand, he said.Produced by Danish firm Vestas and assembled in China, each turbine could produce 6.4MW, almost double the output of the turbines used in Mercury's recently completed Turitea Wind Farm near Palmerston North."They're very tall, that's how we achieved that increased production per turbine. They're almost twice the height of other turbines in New Zealand, so very large machines, and great output per machine. It's 206 metres from the ground to the tip of the turbine. A good analogy is that it's more than two rugby fields, but in height."Photo: SuppliedTolcher said studies of the wind farm's visual impact and any effect on bird life had been part of the resource consent process.The company was also contributing to the restoration of wetlands and bird habitat in the area.Up to 100 jobs would be created during construction, with local firms such as Northpower among the contractors.Tolcher said Mercury had worked alongside mana whenua,Te Roroa, while planning the project, and looked forward to continuing to work with the iwi during construction and operation.Mercury chief executive Stew Hamilton said once the construction of Kaiwaikawe started in January, the company would have three renewable energy builds underway simultaneously.The others were expansions of Ngā Tamariki geothermal power station near Taupō and Kaiwera Downs Wind Farm in Southland.The Kaiwaikawe project, 12km northwest of Dargaville and 3km inland, continues Northland's transformation from a region dependent on energy transported from the south on sometimes fragile networks - as illustrated by the toppling of a pylon earlier this year - to a hotspot for renewable energy.The Far North is already a net exporter of energy, thanks primarily to Top Energy's geothermal power station at Ngāwhā, near Kaikohe.A solar farm near Kaitāia is currently the largest in New Zealand, though that is a title owner Lodestone Energy won't hold for much longer.After the Skytower, the title of tallest building in New Zealand is currently held by Auckland's PwC Tower, at 180m - significantly lower than Kaiwaikawe's turbines.The stalled Seascape building, also in Auckland, will be 187m tall once completed, and, if built, the proposed NDG Ritz Carlton Hotel will be 209m high.This story was originally published by RNZ

TRAFFIC UPDATESWarkworth to Matakana traffic is backed up due to Hidden Valley festival on at Matakana Country Park.Wellsford and Dome Valley - traffic heavy in both directions, but especially heading North into Wellsford.HIbiscus Coast Highway - firefighters are battling a scrub fire which has closed the Hibiscus Coast Highway, Silverdale. Five Firetrucks, a water truck and volunteers are on the scene, no injuries reported.Take care if you are travelling in this area.SH16 - Power line down on SH16 before Cleasby Hill with smoke seen. Expect delays unsure if passable at this time.POWER OUTAGESSH16 - Power line down on SH16 before Cleasby Hill with smoke seen. Expect delays unsure if passable at this time.Areas of Mangawhai, Te Arai, Wayby, Langs, Waipu and Ruakaka are without power which may be related to the above incident.Search on Vectors outage map if you are without power hereFor Northpower customers check the outage map here

Warkworth / Rodney RegionFriday 27th December - Morning cloud, then fine. Southwesterlies, strong this afternoonSaturday 28th Dec - Fine. Fresh southwesterlies.Sunday 29th Dec - Fine. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Mangawhai / Northland RegionFriday 27th December - Fine breaks increasing this morning, but the chance of a shower remains. Southwesterlies, strong for a time this afternoon.Saturday 28th Dec - Fine. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Sunday 29th Dec - Fine. Southwesterlies.

Boxing Day: From Charity to ConsumerismBoxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, has undergone a fascinating evolution from a day of heartfelt charity to a modern spectacle of consumerism. Its story is one of contrast, where the quiet dignity of giving back has collided with the bustling energy of shopping malls and online sales.A Historical Beginning of GenerosityIn its earliest days, Boxing Day was a time of profound generosity and community spirit. The name itself originates from the tradition of distributing “Christmas boxes”—wooden containers filled with coins, food, or goods—to the less fortunate. Wealthy families or employers often prepared these boxes as a token of gratitude to their servants, tradespeople, and those in need.Churches also played a central role in these early Boxing Day celebrations. During Advent, they would collect donations in alms boxes, which were ceremonially opened on the day after Christmas. The funds were then distributed among the poor, embodying the Christian values of compassion and charity.For servants and workers, Boxing Day was a rare and cherished opportunity to rest and celebrate with their own families. Having served their employers on Christmas Day, they were rewarded not only with time off but often with gifts or leftover feasts.The Shift to ConsumerismAs society modernised, the quiet generosity of Boxing Day began to transform. By the mid-20th century, retailers recognised its potential as a commercial opportunity. Initially a practical way to clear out unsold Christmas stock, Boxing Day sales soon became a global phenomenon, turning the day into a shopping extravaganza.Today, in countries like the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, Boxing Day is synonymous with sales events and bargain hunting. Shoppers queue for hours outside stores, jostling for discounts on electronics, clothing, and household goods. Online platforms have further intensified this trend, with websites offering flash sales and exclusive deals, sometimes resulting in digital chaos as servers struggle to handle the influx of eager customers.A Tale of Two Boxing DaysThis evolution has created a curious duality. On one hand, many individuals and organisations still honour Boxing Day’s original spirit by participating in charitable activities. Food banks, donation drives, and volunteering efforts remind us of the day’s roots in giving back. On the other hand, the fervour of modern consumerism often overshadows these acts of kindness, turning Boxing Day into a celebration of materialism.The stark contrast can be seen in households around the world. One family might spend the morning braving crowds at a shopping mall, searching for the best deals, and the afternoon delivering food parcels to a local shelter. For others, the day might pass as a seamless continuation of the Christmas holiday, focused on relaxation and togetherness.A Narrative of ReflectionImagine two timelines, each capturing a different essence of Boxing Day. In the 19th century, a young servant receives a small box from their employer—a thoughtful gesture containing coins, a warm scarf, and a handwritten note of gratitude. The gift is modest but deeply meaningful, a rare recognition of the servant’s hard work and humanity.In the present day, a retail worker stands exhausted at the checkout counter, processing transaction after transaction as shoppers clamour for deals. After finishing their shift, they use part of their wages to buy groceries for a neighbour struggling to make ends meet. Despite the chaos, the worker’s small act of kindness echoes the spirit of the servant’s employer from a century before, proving that generosity can thrive even amidst the pressures of modern life.Honouring the Spirit of Boxing DayBoxing Day’s transformation from a charity-focused holiday to a consumer-driven event invites us to reflect on our values. Can we reclaim its original purpose while embracing the changes of the modern world? The answer lies in balance. By combining the joy of shopping with acts of generosity, we can honour both the historical and contemporary aspects of the day.Consider setting aside time for giving—whether through donations, volunteering, or simple acts of kindness—amidst the excitement of Boxing Day sales. This small effort can bridge the gap between the day’s charitable origins and its modern consumerist undertones, ensuring that Boxing Day remains a celebration of both humanity and progress.Boxing Day’s story is a reminder that traditions can evolve without losing their core essence. While the way we celebrate has changed, the heart of the holiday—the spirit of giving—still endures. It’s up to us to keep that spirit alive, blending history and modernity into a tradition that speaks to the best in all of us.

There’s a temporary closure announcement for Wenderholm Regional Park today, Boxing Day (Thursday, 26th December), due to an issue with the park's water supply, which has left toilet and water facilities out of order.Council officials are actively working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible, according to a council spokesperson.In the meantime, there are plenty of fantastic nearby attractions to consider for your holiday outing.Options include Orewa Beach, kayaking along the Puhoi River, or exploring other stunning regional parks such as Tāwharanui, Shakespear, or Mahurangi. These parks feature breathtaking coastal scenery, walking tracks, and picnic areas, making them perfect for a family day out.The council will provide updates on Wenderholm Regional Park's reopening status as soon as more information is available.

It's never been easier to stay connected to work. Even when we're on leave, our phones and laptops keep us tethered. Many of us promise ourselves we won't check emails during our break. But we do.Being away from the workplace, and even in a new location, is often not enough to detach psychologically. We might still be thinking about a demanding project we raced to finish or even feel guilty about leaving others to cover for us.'Digital presenteeism'It mightn't be spelt out by our employers but having phones and laptops can create an underlying expectation we are constantly available, even outside the usual work hours.This feeling of connection or "digital presenteeism", can impact our health by making us stressed, anxious and burnt out.Switching off our work tools when we are out of the office or on leave can remove these problems as well as helping improve and enjoy our non-work activities and relationships.Right to disconnectWhile recently passed right to disconnect laws in Australia legally support workers to switch off, there's another option already available to workers. Taking annual leave.Unfortunately, many workers don't take advantage of this valuable resource, with an estimated 160 million annual leave days banked up by Australian workers. One in five have more than the typical yearly allocation of four weeks unused.The benefits of taking a breakTaking a break doesn't just feel good, it's been shown to benefit your health.A 2017 meta-analysis of 86 studies revealed taking holidays can lead to reduced stress and less exhaustion during the holiday period.So what do we do with all the extra time we have? Sleep more? Do more exercise? Studies show that's exactly what happens when we are on holiday. We studied movement patterns of 375 adults during annual leave. We found people were more physically active, less sedentary and had more sleep each day - all of which are good for our health.Holidays can also be associated with changes in how our body functions. A study of 112 holiday makers who attended a wellness resort for six days in the United States had increased heart rate variability which indicates greater resilience to stress.Also, the odds of meeting metabolic syndrome criteria decreased with each break taken each year in a cohort of workers who took on average five holidays each year.If you're male and still not convinced, there is evidence that taking holidays is linked with living longer. Men who take more frequent holidays and more leave days a year have lower mortality rates than those who don't?The best type of break?Simply taking leave is beneficial. Longer breaks do not have increased benefits and where you go is also unimportant.A study of locations found those who took a short four day break in a hotel did not benefit more than those who took a break at home. Both groups showed positive changes to stress, recovery, strain and wellbeing.In our study, the largest favourable changes were experienced by people who took one to two weeks' leave or those who spent time outdoors camping or hiking. However positive changes were observed for all types of holidays.Ultimately, the best vacation is the one that fits your preferences and budget - there's no such thing as a perfect holiday.How to make the most of your next breakIf you haven't already, book some time off and get away from the workplace. Here are five ways to make the most of the time:1. Finish up your to-do list and clear out your inbox: returning to work after a summer holiday with fewer unfinished tasks allows the positive effects of the holiday to linger longer.2. Step away from the normal routine: try to limit work-like activities (such as shopping, cleaning, computer-based tasks) and find environments that feel removed from your typical routine and obligations.3. Engage in "soft fascination" activities: exploring nature is an example of an activity that gently holds your attention while leaving headspace for reflection. These types of activites have been shown to provide restorative mental benefits.4. Reduce the friction and chaos: avoid putting yourself in settings of conflict (such as visiting a difficult family member), confusion (busy, unfamiliar environments) or tension (excessive travel and/or tight timelines).5. Take more frequent breaks: aim for multiple short breaks throughout the year, rather than a single longer vacation. This spreads out the benefit with more lead-in time and longer comedown.The research is clear: vacations are essential for our health and wellbeing. So, if you haven't already, book some time off and get away from the workplace.*Ty Ferguson is a research associate in exercise, nutrition and activity at the University of South Australia; Carol Maher is a research professor in exercise, nutrition and activity at the University of South Australia; Rachel Curtis is a research fellow in exercise, nutrition and activity at the University of South Australia.

The Matakana Coast has long been celebrated for its stunning scenery, thriving hospitality venues, and vibrant community spirit. But when it comes to transportation, especially at night, the area has faced a catch-22. Hospitality venues hesitate to stay open late without reliable transport options, while transportation providers are reluctant to operate without enough demand.Enter the Mai Ride Summer Shuttle—a community-driven initiative that’s set to change the game this season. Running from 28th December to 7th February, Thursdays to Saturdays, the shuttle offers a simple solution to help locals and visitors make the most of the area’s nightlife.For just $20 per person, this convenient loop connects key destinations like Omaha, Matakana, Warkworth, and Brick Bay. It runs four return trips daily, from noon until 9:30pm, offering a safe, easy way to enjoy the coast’s hospitality scene without worrying about driving. Whether it’s a twilight dinner, live music, or a casual evening with friends, the shuttle lets you focus on the fun.This year, the shuttle serves as a pilot programme—a test to see how much demand exists for expanded evening transport. If enough people hop on board, the service has the potential to grow bigger and better in the future.With community support, it could pave the way for a thriving nightlife scene, opening up new opportunities for local businesses and residents alike.So, if you’ve ever wished for better ways to explore the Matakana Coast after dark, now’s the time to act. Gather your friends, plan your evening, and take advantage of this affordable and stress-free transport option. Every ride counts toward building a better-connected Matakana Coast for everyone.Head here to book your pickup!

Warkworth / Rodney RegionMonday 23rd - Showers, some heavy with possible thunderstorms about the west coast early morning, becoming isolated this afternoon. Southwesterlies developing this morning.Tuesday 24th - Fine. Westerlies, easing in the evening.Wednesday 25th XMAS DAY - Partly cloudy, with occasional rain from afternoon. Northerlies developing.Thursday 26th BOXING DAY - Showers, easing. Northwesterlies, turning to fresh southwesterlies.Friday 27th - Showers, clearing and becoming fine. Strong southwesterlies.Saturday 28th - Fine with southwesterliesSunday 29th - Partly cloudy. Southwesterlies.Mangawhai / Northland RegionMonday 23rd - Mainly fine, the chance of a shower until evening. Westerlies.Tuesday 24th - Fine. Southwesterlies, easing at night.Wednesday 25th XMAS DAY - Fine, then showers developing in the afternoon. Northerlies developing.Thursday 26th BOXING DAY -Showers developing. Northwesterlies, turning to fresh southwesterlies.Friday 27th - Fine. Strong southwesterlies easing.Saturday 28th - Fine with southwesterlies.Sunday 29th - Fine. Southwesterlies.

KAIPARA REGIONAUCKLAND REGION

The hospitality sector says a good summer will set it up for the year ahead, even in the face of recession.Economists said this week that the country was in a deeper than expected recession - the worst six-month period since 1991, excluding Covid-19.Treasury's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update also painted a bleak picture, forecasting the country was likely to stay in the red until 2029.Hospitality NZ's Sam McKinnon said customer sentiment strongly affected the sector, and consumers had been buoyed by recent official cash rate (OCR) cuts."Customer sentiment is a key driver in terms of spend in the economy and discretionary spend, especially in tourism and hospitality."We've seen some of the positivity return with announcements around the OCR cuts and that sort of thing. It remains to be seen what the impact of a negative update from Treasury will be, but the weather is a good influence for customer sentiment as well."We're certainly hopeful that over the summer months, people will feel positive about spending out on hospitality and making the most of the warm weather."Earlier this month, MetService said it was anticipating a hot summer when it issued its first heat alerts for the season. McKinnon said that would set hoteliers, restaurants, cafes and bars up for the year."Even in the main centres, as people return to work, if you've got a good couple of months of summer weather and they're in the office, they might be able to leave a little bit early or go for an after work drink or meet up with friends for dinner."So good weather anywhere in the country tends to be positive for hospitality. We're hoping that we will have a really strong summer and they will set us up for success in 2025."This story was originally posted by RNZ

State Highway 1 south of the Mangamuka Gorge in Northland is closed, due to a crash.The road connecting Northland with the Far North reopened to the public on Friday after a two-and-a-half-year closure for repair work.Hato Hone St John said it sent three ambulances and a helicopter to the scene, near Rangiahua Road, airlifting one patient to Northland Base Hospital in a serious condition.SH1 was closed between Rangiahua Rd and Perry Rd.The crash was reported at about 9.20am.New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said people should avoid the area and consider an alternative route, as it could be several hours before the road was reopened.The serious crash unit has been advised.A 13km stretch of highway through Mangamuka Gorge in the Far North, just south of Kaitāia, was destroyed by slips during torrential rain in August 2022.This story was originally posted by RNZ

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 10 January 2025. Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Tristram Avenue on-ramp, 9 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northcote Road northbound on-ramp, 9 JanuarySouthbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Onewa Road on-ramp, 9 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northcote Road southbound on-ramp, 9 JanuaryEsmonde Road southbound on-ramp, 9 JanuaryShelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 25 December-2 January (24/7)Stafford Road northbound off-ramp, 1-5 January (24/7)Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 1-5 January (24/7)CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Southbound lanes between Fanshawe Street off-ramp and Grafton Road on-ramp, 26-30 December & 1-5 JanuaryHobson Street (SH1) southbound on-ramp, 26-30 December & 1-5 JanuarySymonds Street southbound on-ramp closed, 26 December 9pm to 31 December 6am (24/7)Symonds Street southbound on-ramp closed, 1 January 9pm to 6 January 6am (24/7)SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 26 December 9pm to 31 December 6am (24/7)SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 1 January 9pm to 6 January 6am (24/7)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and East Tamaki Road on-ramp, 8 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Mt Wellington Highway southbound on-ramp, 8 JanuaryPrinces Street southbound on-ramp, 8 JanuaryHighbrook Drive southbound on-ramp, 8 JanuaryNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 9 JanuaryDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 9 JanuaryDrury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 7 JanuaryNorthbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 7-8 JanuaryDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 7-8 JanuaryRamarama northbound on-ramp, 7-8 JanuaryBombay southbound off-ramp, 6-9JanuarySH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 6 & 8-9 JanuaryNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Waimauku roundabout and Foster Road, 8-9 January (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Foster Road and Waimauku roundabout, 8-9 January (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Access Road and Taupaki Road roundabout, 9 JanuaryNorthbound lanes between Taupaki Road roundabout and Access Road, 9 JanuaryNorthbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road roundabout, 7 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)SH16 northbound to SH18 eastbound link, 7 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Westbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 6 JanuaryEastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-ramp, 6 JanuarySquadron Drive eastbound on-ramp, 6 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp, 6 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Squadron Drive on-ramp, 7 JanuaryHobsonville Road eastbound on-ramp, 7 JanuaryTrig Road eastbound on-ramp, 7 JanuaryBrigham Creek Road eastbound on-ramp, 7 JanuarySOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Southbound lanes between Neilson Street off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 7 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Bader Drive northbound off-ramp, 6-7 January

Mihingarangi Forbes and Annabelle Lee-MatherFour months after Joanna Sione-Lauaki's body was found on a Northland beach, her whānau still doesn't know how she was killed.Not having the results of the post-mortem, let alone any idea who was responsible, is compounding their grief and frustration as they face their first Christmas without the Dargaville mother-of-eight.They feel they have been let down by the police.TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE"One hundred percent," said one of Jo's daughters, Shana."We feel like they have been holding back on information … and we just think that's unfair," Shana said. "We were so angry with how they were treating us."Joana's sisters with some of her tamariki. Photo: Irene Maton PhotographyMata Reports has investigated the unsolved murder, and spent time with the whānau which has had to deal with rumours, innuendo and speculation.They want to shut down the rumours, to tell Aotearoa what she meant to them, and to see justice for Jo."I feel completely ripped off, I used to be a man of faith and I don't speak to him no more," said Jo's husband, Jared - a prize-winning dairy farm worker."As a father, I'm always on guard, everyone's the enemy, everyone's after us."Police declined Mata's requests for an interview, saying they didn't want to jeopardise the inquiry.A spokesperson said the investigation was ongoing and called for anyone who had any information to come forward.Joanna Sione-Lauaki's daughters Sharney Panapa, Haminy Panapa and Jashana Sione Lauaki. Photo: Aotearoa Media CollectiveJo, aged 38, went missing on 1 August, after telling Jared she was going to the beach.The next morning, her whereabouts was a mystery. But in their hearts, Jared and the children knew something must have happened to her."We know our Mum and she's not a person to do something to herself," Sharney said."If she's having a bad day, she's somebody who talks to us. So, we knew something had happened, someone had done something that night."Their worst fears were confirmed when a member of the public found her body on a beach she and the family didn't usually visit, between Omamari and Aranga, north of Dargaville.Police later announced she was the victim of foul play."Mum was in the wrong place at the wrong time and someone took advantage of that and took away our mum, and everyone's sissy and aunty and cousin," daughter Shana said.Jared said: "She was my reason for getting out of bed, her and the kids. She brought a lot to the table, and the table's gone."The night she went missing, Jo told Jared she was going to the beach while he headed to bed early. With an early start in the cow shed, Jared needed to get to sleep, so he flicked his phone onto airplane mode, something he often did."It became a habit just before I dozed off to flick it down," Jared said.In the morning, when he turned his phone back on there was a one-word text from Jo: "Help."He started trying to get hold of her, but with a herd of cows to milk, he initially went to work."I was distracted, obviously, and kept trying to make contact throughout milking. went home for breakfast break, kept trying, and then returned back to work and just said to my boss, 'Something's not right'."With one of his daughters, he went to a beach he and Jo regularly went to, to see if they could find any sign of her.But there was nothing. He instinctively knew something was seriously wrong so he went to the police station to report her missing.That afternoon, her body was found. Several items of clothing were missing, including a white Nike t-shirt with a red tick, tracksuit pants, and Adidas scuffs.Jared said initially, the police were good towards the family.But as time went on, he believes they have treated him like a suspect, he said.Joana Sione-Lauaki and husband Jared. Photo: Aotearoa Media CollectiveFurthermore, his connection to the Black Power has fuelled rumours and gossip, something which has hurt their children."People may think it's our dad but we can 100 percent tell you that it's not," Sharney said."Because of who is, it doesn't change him and doesn't make any difference to the pain he's going through."Daughter Jashana said: "My dad's grieving and it's not nice to hear people.""Those that know me knew that, no matter what happened, I'd be there for my wife," Jared said.The rumours, the pain, and the feeling that he's being treated like a suspect have taken their toll on Jared.All the while, he's having to cope with the loss of his wife, the woman he loved for 21 years."Jo was the best mum in the world, bubbly as, had a laugh that you could hear a mile away," he said. "But for me, it was her eyes, just big, beautiful brown, sparkly eyes. And that's whatI fell in love with."One of Jo's friends, Ani Ripia, recalls how the whānau's home was always bursting with joy."They were always laughing, and their children always came before themselves," Ani said."It was actually quite funny to see because I'd be like, 'My goodness, so many tamariki'. But they made it look easy."Daughter Shana said it was Jo who would keep things running."She always got everything sorted," she said. "So now it's a different dynamic when we don't have the main lady behind the scenes."If you have any information that could help, please contact police here or call 105. Please use the reference number 240803/9062. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.- Mata is made with the help of Te Māngai Pāho and NZ on Air

Peter de GraafIn the tiny Far North settlement of Mangamuka, the excitement is palpable.For the past two and a half years, locals have faced long detours on rough roads, isolation from friends and family, and higher transport costs.That's about to come to an end, however, with the reopening of State Highway 1 through Mangamuka Gorge, the main route north to Kaitāia on 20 December.Mangamuka resident Awhina Rauwhero-Stevens said the closure meant having to drive further for more expensive groceries, and less frequent visits to her mokopuna on the other side of the gorge."We can't wait. It's been a struggle. Having to go to Kaikohe and Kerikeri, because I shop every week, and Pak'nSave in Kaitāia is the cheapest in the North. So I can't wait. I'm excited."In August 2022, a 13-kilometre section of highway through the gorge was so badly damaged by a storm it's taken until now, and more than $200 million, to fix it.When the deluge hit, the highway had only been open for 13 months after a previous year-long closure, also due to storm damage.Overnight the closure transformed Mangamuka from a bustling pit stop on the main route north to sleepy backwater, threatening the survival of the settlement's only store, the popular Mangamuka Dairy.Owner Eliza Chapman-Kete said at times she was not sure the business could keep going.In the end it had survived, even thrived, thanks to road workers, Te Araroa Trail walkers, and the support of locals.Mangamuka Dairy is an important social hub as well as a source of supplies in the tiny Far North settlement. Photo: RNZ/Peter de GraafThe dairy was much more than just a place to buy groceries, Chapman-Kete said."People call it a hub. It's a place where people meet, they talk and cry together, they laugh together and sometimes they have words together," she said.There was also excitement in Kaitāia, on the other side of the gorge, where locals like Kiana Murray would no longer have to drive the long way around via State Highway 10."When we're travelling to Auckland, Kaikohe, anywhere, we've got to literally go all the way around, it takes probably another hour out of our way, maybe more, the roads are shocking, it's harder. So yeah, I absolutely can't wait for it to open up."The reopening of State Highway 1 would also be also a boon for people travelling to the Far North on business, such as Whangārei sales rep Shannon Beeston."I think it's wonderful. I travel up here quite often and travelling up State Highway 10, it makes your day a lot longer. For the town and the business owners it'll be fabulous," she said.Te Hiku Community Board member John Stewart said with State Highway 1 closed, many fruit and vegetable growers were unable to transport their produce to Auckland and return to Kaitāia in a day, greatly increasing their costs.The closure of State Highway 1 transformed Mangamuka from a busy pit stop on the main freight route north to a sleepy backwater. Photo: RNZ/Peter de GraafHe said freight companies had been quick to bump up the amount they charged Kaitāia businesses when the highway closed, and hoped they would bring down their fees just as quickly after the gorge reopened on 20 December.The impact of the closure had been greatest at the southern end of town, Stewart said, and had slashed the number of visitors stopping in at the museum and i-Site at the Te Ahu Centre."I think of a mate who owns Mobil down the southern end of town. That's basically the first shop everyone drives into once they come through the Mangamukas into Kaitāia. I'd hate to know what he's been losing after the last couple of years," he said.Far North deputy mayor Kelly Stratford recalled the last time Mangamuka Gorge reopened after storm repairs, in 2021.On that occasion the road lasted just over a year before it was wrecked by another, even bigger storm."I'm really, really excited about the Mangamukas opening, and feeling very confident that it's going to be open for a lot longer than last time. I'm looking forward to our communities on both sides being able to connect, everybody travelling for business, for mahi, to be with whānau. It's been a real interruption for whānau on both sides of the Mangamukas," she said.Mangamuka Dairy owner Eliza Chapman-Kete. Photo: Peter de GraafThe August 2022 deluge triggered dozens of slips, 15 of which were deemed to be significant and six critical.Another storm in 2023 increased the number of major slips to 35, with 15 of those regarded as critical, and in June this year another slip took the total to 36.The fresh damage bumped up the repair cost from the initially budgeted $100m and delayed the reopening from the original target date of May 2024.The total cost, according to NZTA, was now $204m.Back in Mangamuka, locals said there would also be some downsides to the reopening.For the past few years birdsong and the murmur of conversation had been the main sounds in the settlement, but that would soon be replaced by the roar of trucks barrelling down the main street.Chapman-Kete said with four school bus pick-ups each day, children, and parents, would have to get used to looking out for traffic again.Residents had been pushing for a pedestrian crossing to make the road safer once traffic returned.Chapman-Kete said she would miss the quiet."We had our own little sanctuary here really. So yes, we'll miss that. And the mothers will have to watch their children quite closely. We'll just have to be careful."Even Awhina Rauwhero-Stevens said she would miss the silence."What I'm not looking forward to is the noise. I'm not looking forward to the traffic, and not looking forward to waiting in line at Whaea Eliza's dairy."But even the prospect of speeding trucks and queues at the dairy could not dampen her excitement."The gorge is beautiful. I've missed going through it. I can't wait to see the changes. I'm so glad it's nearly finished. We can't wait. I know I've said that like 10 times now, that's how excited I am," she said.On Thursday, 19 December, the rebuilt road will be blessed and Transport Minister Simeon Brown will visit the gorge to celebrate the project's completion. The highway is due to reopen at one minute after midnight on Friday.This story was originally published by RNZ

Project Update – December 2024Tena koe and welcome to the Northland Corridor newsletter.It’s been all go on our Summer Roadshow the last few weekends. We’ve been to the Kaiwaka Community Markets, Whangārei A&P Show and the Matakana Markets. Thanks to everyone who has stopped by to talk with us at these events. It’s been great to hear your questions, update you on the progress and hear your enthusiasm for the project. We will be continuing our roadshow in the New Year with 3 more events, see below for the details of where you can find us.In this edition of the newsletter, we have an update on helicopters moving machinery into Mahurangi Forest in Dome Valley as we move at pace with Ara Tūhono – Warkworth to Te Hana.We also share some news from the Far North, with SH1 through the Mangamuka Gorge reopening in time for Christmas.We wish you and your families a safe and happy Christmas.Summer RoadshowWith the Summer Roadshow in full swing, we’ve been hearing common themes at our stand. There’s lots of support for the project and you’re pleased we’re working at pace, and you want us to ‘just get on with it’.We’ve heard you’re pleased Northland is getting this investment in the transport network. You’ve seen the benefits of Ara Tῡhono - Pῡhoi to Warkworth, including shorter travel times, safety, resilience and a smooth ride and there is excitement that we’ll be constructing the corridor to the Roads of Significance (RoNS) standard up to Whangārei.We’ll be back on the road after the Christmas break at the Mangawhai Tavern Markets on Saturday 11 January 2025 from 8.30am – 1pm. Join us for a chat, we’d love to see you there!What if I can’t make the roadshow?We know summer is a busy time, so if these dates and times don’t work for you and you’d like to talk to us, feel free to reply to this email or contact us on [email protected] 1 update: Ara Tūhono – Warkworth to Te HanaOur geotechnical team continue to make good progress with their investigations, successfully completing 49 boreholes and drilling a total of 1385m to date. Their current focus is on investigations for the tunnel alignment in Mahurangi Forest including drilling boreholes as deep as 150m and at an angle to get a 3D view of the ground conditions. The 3D view helps the team better understand fault lines in the area which helps inform the final design.We have started moving machinery into some hard to access locations within Mahurangi Forest via helicopter. Equipment is being flown into each drilling site rather than cutting paths through the forest. Helicopters will operate 2 days per week and will move machinery to 20 sites over the next couple of months for this current stage of geotechnical investigations. We’ll share photos of the helicopters in action early next year. Section 2 & 3 update: Te Hana to WhangāreiWe’ll be finalising the emerging preferred corridor north of Te Hana in the first quarter of 2025 and updating people on where we are at.See our frequently asked questions for more information and if you have further questions feel free to contact us on [email protected] the Far North: Mangamuka Gorge to reopen on 20 DecemberThe team is finalising preparations for reopening State Highway 1 through Mangamuka Gorge on the morning of Friday 20 December 2024 at 12:01 AM. It’s been a huge effort to get to this point and we want to acknowledge the Te Tai Tokerau Northland community for your ongoing support throughout the project.The gorge has been closed since August 2022 due to severe slip damage caused by extreme weather events. Additional record rainfall in 2023 resulted in further slips, complicating repairs. A new slip in June this year brought the total number of slip sites to 36, with 16 deemed critical.To find out more about the SH1 Mangamuka Gorge slip repairs visit our webpage.Before and after of critical slip site A3 – repaired with a piled wall made up of 40 piles and 42 anchors drilled back into the maunga (mountain) for extra stability.Holiday JourneysHere’s some tips to stay safe this summer out on the road:Check your vehicle is safe to drive before you set off including that your tyres have enough tread (minimum tread is 1.5mm but the more tread, the better the grip) and your lights, wipers and indicators are working.Drive to the conditions - whether it's the weather, the road you're on, the time of day or the volume of traffic.Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely.Allow plenty of time and take regular breaks to stay alert.Be patient so everyone can relax and enjoy the holidays together.For more information, check out our helpful holiday driving tips: Driving in the holidays.We’ll stop most works on the state highway before the busy holiday travel period to minimise disruption to people’s journeys, but it’s a good idea to plan ahead to avoid the busiest times for traffic.Our Holiday Journeys traffic prediction tool shows predicted traffic flow across popular journeys over the Christmas and New Year’s holiday based on the previous year’s travel patterns. It’ll be updated for this year’s holiday break soon. Because predicted peak times can change based on incidents, weather and even driver behaviour we suggest that you check our real-time Journey Planner before you leave for the latest information on road works, traffic, road closures and delays.Journey PlannerWe wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas break!